Dama Rout hints about formation of new regional party in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Expelled BJD leader Damador Rout Friday hinted at the possibility of loyalists of former chief minister Biju Patnaik ousted from the Biju Janata Dal coming together to form a new regional party ahead of the 2019 elections.

Assembly elections in Odisha are also due along with Lok Sabha polls in 2019.

Rout who was on Wednesday expelled from the BJD, said people loyal to Biju Patnaik, may form the new political outfit as they have been ousted from the BJD headed by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

“If these people come together and form a party, I will be with them and propagate Biju ideology,” Rout said.

The 75-year-old Paradip MLA, who had announced that he will remain active in politics and contest the next elections, accused Naveen Patnaik of ousting all the former Biju Patnaik loyalists from the BJD.

“Now, maximum number of leaders in the BJD have not seen Biju Patnaik in person or were opposing the legendary leader during his life time,” said Rout, adding that he would not hesitate to become part of the proposed new political outfit if all former Biju loyalists join hands.

Former BJD MP Baijayant Panda had alleged that BJD was gradually becoming the political party without having former Biju Patnaik loyalists.

Meanwhile, BJD president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has said that the possible new political outfit will have no impact in the state.

BJD vice-president Debi Prasad Mishara said: “The people of Odisha have already recognised Naveen Patnaik. The effort to form a party to get Biju Patnaik legacy will not help others.”